Psychedelics are among the most controversial psychoactive substances. This stems from the fact that, on the one hand, they are legally considered drugs, and on the other, modern medicine is increasingly recognizing the possibility of using them as treatments for various mental ailments. Psilocybin stands out among these substances. Can it be purchased with a prescription? Find out below.
What is psilocybin?
Let’s start with a brief explanation of what psilocybin is. It’s an alkaloid commonly found in psilocybin mushrooms. The most common species producing this compound is Psilocybe cubensis, or the Cuban Psilocybe. It is also produced by, among others, the Piscine Psilocybe, which also grows in Poland. But what makes psilocybin unique?
It belongs to the tryptamine group and has psychedelic and psychoactive effects. It has been suggested that its properties are somewhat similar to LSD, but with a milder effect. Its structure is similar to serotonin, allowing its receptors to capture it. It also influences processes occurring in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for the perception of reality. For this reason, higher doses cause hallucinations (hence why psilocybin mushrooms are called hallucinogenic or magical).
What are the uses of psilocybin?
This substance is currently used only for research purposes. What tests are being performed on it? It is being considered as a potential treatment for many mental ailments. Using it, one can conduct, among other things, therapy:
- post-traumatic stress disorder,
- addictions (mainly alcohol, but also drugs),
- depression (together with appropriate psychotherapy)…
… and other mental or personality disorders. Furthermore, researchers are also testing it among people with cancer. By no means – it is not a cure, but it helps to cope more easily with the anxiety accompanying this disease and significantly improves the patient’s mental state.
Why was psilocybin banned?
Between the 1950s and 1970s, interest in various intoxicating and psychoactive substances increased significantly. They became particularly popular among artists and young people of the time. Although drug prohibition had already been implemented in many countries, since the announcement of the War on Drugs by US President Richard Nixon, research on numerous compounds, including psilocybin, were suspended, and the mere possession of psilocybin mushrooms, for example, became punishable by law.
Currently, in many countries, psilocybin is listed as a substance with no medical use, only for research purposes. However, the situation is beginning to change. This is due, among other things, to scientific reports and grassroots movements aimed at the so-called decriminalization of nature.
Psilocybin – available in a few countries
The vast majority of countries around the world still prohibit the possession, use, or trade of psilocybin, but as the above-mentioned changes progress, Research and initiatives are slowly easing the law. Considered a soft drug, psilocybin is available in countries such as the Netherlands. Furthermore, in Australia, as of July 1, 2023, psychiatrists will be able to prescribe it and another psychedelic – MDMA – by prescription for PTSD and severe depression. It remains to be hoped that social pressure (including from academic circles) will only become more effective and psilocybin will become a widely available medication.